Real Sociedad vs Eibar match preview and predictions for Sunday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as these two local rivals clash at Anoeta.
- DATE: Sunday 13th December 2020
- KICK-OFF: 14:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Anoeta
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Real Sociedad vs Eibar Preview
There’s a Gipuzkoan derby in LaLiga on Sunday. Despite being Spain’s smallest province, it is home to two top flight teams and both so far will be pretty content with how things are shaping up this season. La Real fans will be delighted to see their team flying high in 2nd place heading into the weekend while Eibar are again defying the odds to occupy a mid-table position.
Real Sociedad head into this game on a real high but with a few tired legs having netted a dramatic late equaliser in Naples on Thursday in the Europa League. La Real will now take their place in the last 32 of that competition. While that’s something to look forward to in the new year, it does mean more football and it may not help their top four ambitions in LaLiga.
Talk of a surprise Real Sociedad title challenge has cooled a bit over the past fortnight. They’ve had to settle for draws in their last two games against Villarreal and Alaves and as a result have slipped to 2nd. Imanol will be hungry for his side to respond with victory here prior to a midweek trip to Camp Nou.
If their current form is anything to go by, Eibar are quite capable of making a real game of this. They’ve only lost one of their last eight matches and have been very good on their travels this season. Their return of 10 points from 5 away games is the 5th best road record in the division and they have already won away to the likes of Betis and Sevilla.
The visitors will be hoping to take advantage of any fatigue in the Real Sociedad camp and it promises to be an interesting tactical duel. La Real will dominate the ball but Eibar will be hoping their high press can lead to a fast-paced game which might just suit them.
Check out our match previews for every game in LaLiga this weekend here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Real Sociedad Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Eibar Win.
- Real Sociedad won both of last season’s meetings including a 4-1 win in Donostia.
- Eibar’s last win against La Real was via a 2-1 margin at Ipurua in August 2018.
- Despite failing to win, they have scored at least once on each of their last 4 visits to this ground.
Team News
Mikel Oyarzabal and David Silva are both injury doubts for Eibar and are unlikely to start. Defensively they should be bolstered by the return of Aritz Elustondo.
Paulo Oliveira is fit again for Eibar who have no fresh selection issues.
Predicted Real Sociedad Starting Lineup:
Remiro – Munoz, Le Normand, Elustondo, Gorosabel – Merino, Zubimendi, Guevara – Barrenetxea, Isak, Portu (4-3-3)
Predicted Eibar Starting Lineup:
Dmitrovic – Arbilla, Bigas, Burgos, Correa – Gil, Exposito, Alvarez, Pozo – Kike, Muto (4-4-2)
Real Sociedad vs Eibar Predictions
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Eibar
Real Sociedad do have some talented young players who can help to fill gaps in some areas of the pitch but like any team, they struggle to fill the voids left when their very best players are missing. With Mikel Oyarzabal and David Silva both carrying injuries and Real Sociedad at the end of a very demanding period, in-form Eibar might just come away from Anoeta with a point.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
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